How to Tell if Your Cat is in Pain
If you’ve got a cat or kitten there is bound to be a time over the course of the 17 or 18 years of her life when it is not feeling 100 percent. As it is unable to tell you it is sick it is important that you learn to read the signals it gives you so that you can give them the appropriate care if they need it.
A lot of common cat illness symptoms are pretty easy to see if you know what to look for and the earlier you spot there is something wrong with your feline friend the earlier you can get it treated which means her suffering is lessened.
Some examples of common cat illness symptoms are:
If you notice a swelling on your cat which it finds more uncomfortable if you touch it there is a good chance it has an abscess. This is quite a common ailment for cats and usually, comes from an infection caused by a bite or scratch from another cat. It is sometimes the case that there is also an odor accompanying the swelling. You will need to take your cat to the vet to have the abscess drained and probably get a course of antibiotics.
Conjunctivitis is another common condition with cats. It is basically an inflammation of the inner eyelid and the main symptom is a discharge coming from the eye. It can be clear but as the infection gets worse it can become thick and yellow. It is quite easily treated once diagnosed.
Behavioral changes – A dramatic change in behavior or routine in your cat may be a sign of illness. Excessive scratching or licking behavior, a change in sleeping habits, or unusual aggressive tendencies may be signs that something is wrong. If your cat is normally social but decides to hide in a room all day that is probably a sign that something is wrong.
Eating and drinking – Loss of appetite is very common in sick cats, as many animals will refuse to eat when they’re not feeling right. Also on this list would be difficulty in chewing or eating. Failure to drink or excessive drinking are indicators as well. Dehydration, which can be life-threatening, results from failure to drink
The most common ear problems among cats are ear mites. They are very contagious and resemble coffee grains in your cat’s ear. Other symptoms include your cat constantly scratching and shaking her head.
For example knowing that weight loss, frequent vomiting, and increased thirst and urination are all symptoms of feline diabetes would enable you to get them the help they need before it is too late.
Your cat can not tell you that something is wrong. They can’t walk up to you and say “I am just not feeling right today.” It is your responsibility to take care of them and to know when they are not feeling like they should be.
Pay attention to your cat’s litter box, if you ever see that your cat is having problems relieving themselves, then you know there is something wrong.